Making Room in a Crowded Space: Solutions for Space Sustainability

The delicate balance between space accessibility and environmental stewardship is at a critical juncture. While the rapid expansion of space activities has created unprecedented opportunities for advancements in communication, science, sustainable development, and security infrastructure, it has also raised significant concerns regarding the sustainability of such operations beyond Earth. In this piece, we outline some of the key takeaways from our published white paper on space sustainability.??

Growing Challenges in Space Sustainability?

The rapid expansion of low Earth orbit (LEO) activities presents significant challenges for global space sustainability. As satellite launches surge, surpassing the combined total of six decades of space exploration, the risks of space debris and congestion escalate dramatically.??

• Fair and Equitable Access: The lack of unified space traffic coordination and the uncertain deployment of future constellations create a disadvantage for countries with limited space capabilities, thereby compromising the principle of equitable access to space.?
• Threat to Space Operations: Space debris poses a critical threat to operations, often resulting from satellite collisions or mission-related objects left in orbit.??

The production of these space technologies also poses several geopolitical and environmental challenges.?

• Resource Scarcity and Geopolitical Tensions: Crucial components for producing space technologies are rare earth elements (REEs). The scarcity of REEs could impede future technological advancements and create geopolitical tensions as nations compete for limited supplies.?
• Environmental Challenges: The extraction and refining of REEs often lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination. Other adverse environmental impacts include carbon emissions from rocket launches and potential damage to the Earth’s magnetic field by mega-constellations.?

Global and National Initiatives for Space Sustainability?

The international community has, over time, made progressive efforts in addressing the above challenges. From 1963 to 1996, six United Nations (UN) treaties were ratified to govern responsible space use, emphasising member states' responsibility for national space activities and preventing harmful contamination, and benefitting all states, particularly developing countries. UN agencies and regional organisations also subsequently developed technical guidelines for mitigating space debris.?

Despite these efforts, significant challenges persist:?

• Limited Legal Obligations: Current international space law does not legally obligate states to ensure space sustainability or mitigate debris. Responsibility and liability are incurred only when direct damages can be proven.?
• Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: International law lacks robust enforcement mechanisms for space-related disputes. While arbitration and international courts are available, compelling compliance remains challenging.?

As a result, the international legal framework lacks the necessary strength to ensure states fulfill their obligations towards preserving the space environment.??

Fortunately, several countries have taken the initiative to address space debris and promote responsible space use. Several common themes emerge across the efforts of Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom (UK). These nations are actively implementing or developing regulatory frameworks aligned with international guidelines, particularly those set by the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).??

There is also a strong focus on debris mitigation strategies, with countries like Australia and China requiring detailed plans from satellite operators. Innovation in sustainable space technologies is another shared priority, exemplified by Japan's exploration of wooden satellites to reduce space debris risks.??

Many countries are also emphasising public engagement and international cooperation, as seen in Brazil's public consultations on frequency allocation and the UAE's hosting of international forums.??

Overall, these national initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need for sustainable space practices, balancing technological advancement with environmental responsibility in the increasingly crowded orbital environment. This provides plenty of opportunities to leverage and collaborate with the private sector.?

Leveraging Private Sector Innovations?

A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary for overcoming goal misalignment across sectors. This is particularly important given the private sector’s indispensable role in developing space technologies, such as active debris removal (ADR), and in-orbit servicing and manufacturing (ISAM). National and regional space agencies recognise the importance of these technologies and are actively supporting private sector innovation through various initiatives:?

1. Forging Partnerships: Space agencies are collaborating with industry players to advance ADR technologies, ISAM, and space tracking capabilities, at national and regional levels.?

1. Regulatory Support: Agencies are developing frameworks to facilitate the licensing of ISAM-related activities, encouraging private sector involvement. Some regulatory bodies are granting experimental licenses to companies for ISAM-related work and experiments, fostering innovation in the field.?

1. Promoting Sustainable Practices: The European Space Agency has implemented a Zero Debris Charter, which outlines high-level principles and specific targets to achieve zero debris by 2030.??

Towards a Sustainable Space Future?

As the challenges of space debris and congestion continue to grow, a coordinated and multifaceted approach is essential to ensure the sustainability of outer space activities. Drawing on extensive research and industry expertise, Welchman Keen analysts have outlined some key recommendations for a more sustainable space environment. These recommendations are designed to foster a collaborative approach between public and private entities, leveraging the innovative capacity of the commercial space sector while ensuring responsible practices that safeguard the space environment for future generations. Some of our key recommendations include strengthening the private sector's voice in space governance and creating incentives around the issue of tax.??

For a comprehensive analysis of our recommendations, we encourage you to explore our white paper, "Making Room in a Crowded Space: Solutions for Space Sustainability".?

Achieving long-term space sustainability is an ongoing process that requires collaborative effort and innovative thinking. We welcome your insights and perspectives on this critical issue as we work together toward a more sustainable future in space.?

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